Warranty Comparison

Chevrolet’s powertrain warranty covers the Camaro 1 year and 50,000 miles longer than BMW covers the M3. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the M3 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 12 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier to get service under the Camaro’s warranty.

Reliability Comparison

The M3’s redline is at 8400 RPM, which causes more engine wear, and a greater chance of a catastrophic engine failure. The Camaro has a 6200 to 6700 RPM redline.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2010 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet 12th in initial quality. With 2 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 16th.

Brakes and Stopping Comparison

Tires and Wheels Comparison

For better traction, the Camaro has larger standard tires than the M3 (245/55R18 vs. 235/35R19).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Camaro offers optional 21 inch wheels. The M3’s largest wheels are only 19 inches.

The Camaro LS/LT has a standard space-saver spare (not available on SS) so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the M3, it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

Suspension and Handling Comparison

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Camaro’s wheelbase is 3.6 inches longer than on the M3 (112.3 inches vs. 108.7 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Camaro is 3.2 inches wider in the front and 3.4 inches wider in the rear than the track on the M3.

The Camaro SS Coupe handles at .92 G’s, while the M3 Coupe pulls only .91 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

Chassis Comparison

As tested by Road & Track while at idle, the interior of the Camaro SS Coupe is quieter than the M3 Coupe (51 vs. 53 dB).

Passenger Space Comparison

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the Camaro Coupe is rated a Compact car by the EPA, while the M3 Coupe is rated a Subcompact. The Camaro Convertible is rated a Compact car by the EPA, while the M3 Convertible is rated a Subcompact.

The Camaro Convertible has .6 inches more front legroom and 1.5 inches more front shoulder room than the M3 Convertible.

Cargo Capacity Comparison

The Camaro Convertible has a larger trunk with its top down than the M3 Convertible with its top down (7.9 vs. 7.4 cubic feet).

Ergonomics Comparison

The Camaro Automatic offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The M3 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Camaro’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge – which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The M3 has neither an oil pressure gauge nor a temperature gauge.

The Camaro LT/SS offers an optional heads-up display which projects speed and other key instrumentation readouts onto the windshield, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The M3 doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

Economic Advantages Comparison

Insurance will cost less for the Camaro owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Camaro will cost $588 to $3083 less than the M3 over a five-year period.

Intellichoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Chevrolet Camaro will be $29795 to $32009 less than for the BMW M3.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, license, processing and/or documentation fees, and destination charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.